If you
find yourself in southern Germany and you’re craving a bit of French culture,
hop on a train to the scenic and charming Strasbourg. Capital of the Grand Est
region, formerly known as Alsace, in northeastern France, Strasbourg sits near
the German border and so the city itself is a blending of culture and
architecture from both Germany and France.
Of course I can’t go to France without doing a bit of shopping. The French are known for their haute couture, after all. But as if stores like Louis Vuitton needed another excuse to be even more lavish, in Europe, these high end luxury shops offer patrons champagne. Is there anything more lovely than sipping some Moet while browsing through Louis Vuitton? Je ne pense pas.
With architecture from Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic and Art Nouveau eras, the city gives a feel a bit like the backdrop of a romance movie. Our favorite part of town was La Petite France, or the city’s “Old Town”, a maze of narrow streets and alleyways meandering via bridges over the river below, with steeples and sloping rooflines above. The whole neighborhood is insta worthy. An easy walk from Cathedral Square, this picturesque and well-preserved historic neighborhood was once home to the city’s millers and tanners. Surrounded by four canals, the houses date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Still standing at the edge of La Petite France are four 14th century towers, remnants of the town's ramparts. If you're craving something sweet, be sure to stop into Mireille Oster Pain D'Epices, a shop specializing in artisan chocolates and gingerbread.
Located adjacent to Petite France was a lovely little corner restaurant called Calmos. A true French bistro, complete with black and white tiles and a wide selection of champagnes, the dishes were mostly meat heavy, though I was able to find a delightfully hearty roasted vegetable dish along with delightful pommes frites. Sipping champagne at our cozy window table watching as people rushed home from work, we toasted to a memorable day in Strasbourg. C’est la vie!
One of
the most well known landmarks in Strasbourg is the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame
features daily shows from its astronomical clock and sweeping views of the Rhine
River from partway up its 142m spire. The Strasbourg Cathedral dominates the
square below and the city’s skyline as it was the tallest building in Strasbourg
until the 19th century. The rosary window looks like lace, and some
of the stained glass windows depicting Biblical scenes date all the way back to
the 13th century.
Of course I can’t go to France without doing a bit of shopping. The French are known for their haute couture, after all. But as if stores like Louis Vuitton needed another excuse to be even more lavish, in Europe, these high end luxury shops offer patrons champagne. Is there anything more lovely than sipping some Moet while browsing through Louis Vuitton? Je ne pense pas.
With architecture from Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic and Art Nouveau eras, the city gives a feel a bit like the backdrop of a romance movie. Our favorite part of town was La Petite France, or the city’s “Old Town”, a maze of narrow streets and alleyways meandering via bridges over the river below, with steeples and sloping rooflines above. The whole neighborhood is insta worthy. An easy walk from Cathedral Square, this picturesque and well-preserved historic neighborhood was once home to the city’s millers and tanners. Surrounded by four canals, the houses date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Still standing at the edge of La Petite France are four 14th century towers, remnants of the town's ramparts. If you're craving something sweet, be sure to stop into Mireille Oster Pain D'Epices, a shop specializing in artisan chocolates and gingerbread.
Located adjacent to Petite France was a lovely little corner restaurant called Calmos. A true French bistro, complete with black and white tiles and a wide selection of champagnes, the dishes were mostly meat heavy, though I was able to find a delightfully hearty roasted vegetable dish along with delightful pommes frites. Sipping champagne at our cozy window table watching as people rushed home from work, we toasted to a memorable day in Strasbourg. C’est la vie!
